innovation Archives

Nov292017 by Steven Findley1 Comment

Is it time we had an energy sandbox to encourage innovation?

Should we be looking to collaborate with the energy industry regulators and push for an energy sandbox that will foster innovation into the industry? By Steve Findley, Compliance Quarter. It has long been the case that, in a similar way to the banking industry, there are many barriers to entry for those looking to become an energy retailer. Recently we have taken enquiries with a number of technology-focused entrants looking to disrupt the industry. This poses the question: Should the regulators be providing a regulatory "energy sandbox" to allow new-to-market entrants, or tech startups, an opportunity to test their business models and help encourage innovation in the industry? The energy regulators generally maintain good relationships with retailers and some of the collaboration and support they provide to retailers gives them…

Nov62017 by Steven FindleyNo Comments

The Australia/NZ FinTech collaboration: Three things to bear in mind if offering FinTech services across the Tasman

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On 19 October, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) and New Zealand’s Financial Markets Authority (FMA) “re-affirmed” a commitment to collaboration and cooperation on the expanding opportunities in FinTech collaboration and innovation. [caption id="attachment_2545" align="alignnone" width="640"] fintech-collaboration[/caption] However, in that media release, there is little detail on what practical opportunities this may provide for Australian business. In today’s article, we describe how this announcement might present a change for Australian businesses and point out three things that an Australian business needs to take into account when considering whether to offer a FinTech service in New Zealand. Fintech collaboration - What’s changed? The ASIC/FMA announcement is more than just a “re-affirmation” of the existing relationship between the two regulators. The existing Memorandum of Understanding between the regulators in both countries…

Nov62017 by Steven FindleyNo Comments

ASIC Annual Report: Current and future directions for compliance

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On Thursday, 26 October, the Annual Report of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) was tabled in the House of Representatives. As one of the chief compliance authorities for business in Australia, it is worth taking a look at ASIC’s report with a focus on ASIC’s current and future compliance activities. We look at four areas identified in that report which will be most relevant to business compliance: regulatory reform, enforcement activities, supporting innovation and ASIC technology and processes. Regulatory Reform ASIC notes several areas of regulatory change that ASIC has implemented or been actively involved (see Annual Report, p3). Some of these we have commented on over the last six months including: Client money reforms (see An update on the OTC derivative client money reforms: be ready for…

Jun212017 by Connor JamesNo Comments

From fintech to regtech: a new area for innovation focus

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By Dr Drew Donnelly, Compliance Quarter. Today, continuing in our series of articles concerning developments in the fintech regulatory space (including blockchain), we discuss regulatory technology or ‘regtech’. Specifically, we look at a recent report from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) on its fostering of the sector. What is regtech? In many industries, both in Australia and internationally, regulatory compliance is becoming increasing complex – and costly. At the same time the risk of non-compliance for a business is growing, both through increased enforcement and the potential for reputational damage. By way of example, in Budget 2017 and financial services: an opening for the minnows and a warning for the sharks, we discussed the Government’s implementation of a new banking executive accountability regime, as well as increased funding…